Episcopal Visit to Mota Island

Rt Revd Anthony Ling, Bishop of the Diocese of Banks and Torres, made his first episcopal visit to Mota Island, a historical mission place, in April.

Fr George Sarawia’s Memorial

Bishop Anthony and his delegation visited late Fr George Sarawia’s memorial on the island. Fr George Sarawia was the first Melanesian priest in the history of the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the delegation noted the significant importance of the memorial grave as a historical site for the growth of the church.

A petition was delivered by the retired clergyman and former Vicar General Fr John Bennette Sowia to replace the temporary shelter over the priest’s grave with a permanent chapel to honour the historical importance of the site. Bishop Anthony on his response to the petition assured the retired clergy, the District Priest and community members that his office together with the DOBT administration will do everything possible to negotiate and seek funding for this important project.

Lency Section of the MHB

As the section father of the Lency household of the Melanesian brotherhood, it was important for Bishop Anthony to visit the section headquarter and to learn important issues and challenges for the Brothers. The delegation spent two days of quality time with the Brothers and Novices, carrying out assessments to identify current needs and challenges. As part of the celebrations for St Mark’s Day, Bishop Anthony also admitted six new aspirants into the novicehood.

According to the delegation’s assessments, the Lency Section Headquarter is in needs of infrastructure improvements to ensure the welfare of all community members. The delegation has proposed improvements to sanitation, including the construction of eight VIP toilets, which will be funded by ACoM’s WASH programme, the Provincial Area Administration and the Diocese of Banks and Torres. Furthermore, the Diocese of Banks and Torres administration will be seeking financial assistance from its partners for the construction of a permanent chapel, a permanent dining hall, a classroom, houses for the Chaplain and Tutor and a dormitory.

“The episcopal delegation to Mota was fortunate to have made this visit the districts and of course to Sarawia`s memorial grave and Lency Section Headquarter. We were blessed to have spent some quality time with the communities. We thank God for such an opportunity. We also thank God for the work that MMUK is doing on behalf of ACoM and especially DOBT. To God be the Glory, Great things He has done.” – Sam Blondell, Diocese of Banks and Torres